Uber contingency cap is being marketed as a consumer-friendly initiative — but for many low-income Californians, it’s just another barrier in an already uphill battle for justice. This proposal, which would limit how much personal injury lawyers can earn from Uber crash cases, disproportionately impacts the people who can least afford legal help.
In reality, Uber’s contingency cap creates a two-tier legal system: one where wealthy corporations retain elite defense teams, and the working class is left without representation. It’s not just unfair — it’s discriminatory.
Contingency fees allow injured victims to hire a lawyer with no upfront cost. Capping these fees makes Uber cases unprofitable for attorneys, especially if the injuries are moderate or the case is complex. That means fewer lawyers will take these cases — and low-income victims are left without a voice.
Uber’s proposal would limit attorney fees to 20% in personal injury claims against Uber or its drivers. This is significantly below the California industry norm of 33% to 40%.
Uber claims this measure protects consumers from “high legal fees,” but they leave out the fact that these fees make it possible for injury victims — particularly those with limited income — to actually hire a lawyer in the first place.
Contingency fees are critical in civil justice. They:
As the American Bar Association explains, these fee arrangements are often the only legal avenue available to lower-income plaintiffs in personal injury and civil rights cases.
While Uber claims it’s acting in the best interest of consumers, the reality is this policy harms the very groups that rely most on contingency-based legal help:
According to DOJ civil rights data, civil litigation access continues to be skewed by race and income. Policies like Uber’s proposal only widen that gap.
Uber injury cases are rarely straightforward. Even when damages are relatively small, attorneys must still:
Now imagine a lawyer doing all of that — while being paid a fraction of the normal fee. That’s the dilemma created by Uber’s cap. And for the average injured person, it means no lawyer will take their case.
Most people injured in car crashes don’t have a legal budget. They depend on contingency agreements to fight for justice. But when you cap legal fees, you effectively tell lawyers:
“You’ll work harder, spend more, and take on greater risk — for less pay.”
Under those conditions, many lawyers — especially solo practitioners and small firms — will decline to take on Uber injury claims. The result?
Uber is not capping its own legal fees. They’ll still pay $800–$1000/hour to top-tier law firms that specialize in crushing injury claims. But you? You’ll struggle to find any lawyer at all.
This creates an enormous imbalance:
| Uber (Defendant) | You (Plaintiff) |
|---|---|
| No limit on legal budget | 20% cap on legal fees |
| Can hire multiple law firms | Can’t find anyone to take your case |
| Delay cases strategically | Can’t afford extended litigation |
This is not fairness. This is systemic inequality with a legal face.
Legal experts and advocacy groups across California and the U.S. have pushed back on Uber’s proposal:
Yet Uber continues to frame the fee cap as a “pro-consumer reform.” Don’t buy it.
ANTN LAW APC has built its reputation by fighting for those who don’t have the luxury of expensive legal teams. Attorney Arpine Navasardyan understands that working-class Californians deserve the same level of justice as billion-dollar corporations — and she delivers.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber crash, we’re ready to help. You won’t pay a dime unless we win. No pressure. No confusion. Just real legal advocacy for real people.
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It’s a fee structure where the lawyer only gets paid if you win — usually a percentage of your settlement.
Uber claims it’s to protect consumers, but in reality, it reduces the number of lawyers willing to take Uber-related cases.
They often can’t afford lawyers up front and depend on contingency agreements. If no one will take their case, they lose access to justice.
No. This is a targeted policy that benefits Uber and sets a dangerous precedent.
Contact a firm that rejects the cap and will still fight for you. ANTN LAW is one of them.
Uber’s proposed fee cap might sound innocent — but it’s a legal landmine for the people who need help the most. At its core, this is a policy that says, “Only the wealthy deserve representation.” That’s not how our justice system should work.
If you or someone you love has been injured by an Uber driver, don’t be silenced. You deserve a fair fight. Let ANTN LAW and Attorney Arpine Navasardyan help you hold Uber accountable — and take back your power.
Book your free consultation today.
